Bhupathi-Bopanna delighted at having their way
June 21st, 2012 - 5:44 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna Thursday said they are excited about representing India in the men’s doubles competition at the London Olympics after having their way against the All India Tennis Federation (AITA).
AITA Thursday caved in to Bhupathi and Bopanna’s demand of playing together in London following their refusal to partner Leander Paes.
“I am excited, we were trying to fight this for past 10 days. It has given us motivation to work hard for next month,” said Bhupathi.
“I am relieved and happy that I am playing with Rohan. Someone had to end up being unhappy.”
When asked if he would ever play with Paes again, Bhupathi said: “You can never say never but I am getting too old for all this (controversies).”
AITA last Friday selected Bhupathi and Paes for the Olympics but the decision was not acceptable to tour partners Bhupathi and Bopanna.
“In making each of our decisions, we were guided by our strong convictions regarding what we believed was fair and we are pleased that this is reflected in the outcome. We are greatly appreciative of the support we have received from across the world,” Bhupathi and Bopanna said in a joint statement.
Bopanna said he was looking forward to his maiden appearance at the Olympics.
“Last few days have been extremely challenging. We believe this decision is fair and it was right to send two teams. I am delighted that I will be playing in my first Olympics,” he said.
- Paes serves a threat, AITA defers Olympics selection (Roundup) - Jun 20, 2012
- Vece Paes slams AITA's decision - Jun 21, 2012
- AITA keeps players happy; to send two teams for Games (Second Lead) - Jun 21, 2012
- Players should put country first, says Maken - Jun 22, 2012
- Yuki, Vardhan ready for Olympics (Lead) - Jun 20, 2012
- Next year will be my last on Tour: Bhupathi - Sep 18, 2012
- Vardhan hopes to shine on Wimbledon grass - Jun 21, 2012
- Selector Rohit Rajpal to meet Paes in London - Jun 22, 2012
- Sania tears apart AITA, doesn't spare Paes and Bhupathi (Lead) - Jun 27, 2012
- Will try to convince Paes if needed: Vardhan - Jun 20, 2012
- Paes threatens to withdraw from Olympics - Jun 20, 2012
- Bopanna too rejects Paes for London Olympics - Jun 18, 2012
- Country comes before other commitments: Khanna - Jun 16, 2012
- Paes confirms participation at London Olympics - Jun 29, 2012
- Bhupathi-AITA trade charges against each other (Roundup) - Sep 18, 2012
Tags: aita, appearance, controversies, convictions, decisions, few days, first olympics, India, june 21, last friday, leander paes, london olympics, mahesh bhupathi, motivation, New Delhi, olympics, rohan bopanna, tennis federation